It’s 3-D: Not at the movies, but in the operating theatre
Kumudini Hettiarachchi witnesses the country’s first 3-Dimensional High Definition laparoscopy or key-hole surgery in urology at work Urology through laparoscopy is what the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital embarked on three years ago when others dared not go down this pathway. This year, one more notch has been upped in the technology to help this pioneering [...]
If you can bear the smell, Durian is a must try
By Dr. Nirmala M. Pieris Regarded as the ‘King of fruits’ in South East Asian countries, Durian has the most notorious and overpowering smell, but it is undoubtedly a most fascinating fruit. When you experience the distinctive and unusual intense odour of the fruit just once, you will never forget it. Bring home one fruit [...]
Tackling influenza with vaccination
By Dr. Jude Jayamaha Influenza is a viral infection often presenting as a “flu-like” illness and is considered a major public health problem. It spreads rapidly in the community especially among children, elderly people and high-risk groups such as pregnant women and healthcare workers. Children manifest the highest rates of illness. However, severe morbidity and [...]
Grape seeds: New weapon in fight against tooth decay?
By Claudia Tanner For Mailonline A natural compound found in grapes has been found to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay, a study says. Scientists claim that the discovery could stop people from losing teeth and also boost the strength of fillings, allowing them to last longer. Grape seed extract – a byproduct of the [...]
One person’s battle with MS and a lot of help from friends
The birth of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of Lanka (MSAL) Having attended Ladies’ College in Colombo and become a doctor, she was happily married, with two children. As time went on, certain symptoms disturbed her but she was determined not to let them get the better of her or rob her of her happiness. Being [...]
I live my life as best as I can
Nihal Uduwara, an MS patient shares his ups and downs The first symptoms of MS showed up in my teens when I noticed a limp in one leg from time to time. However, the disease remained undiagnosed for three decades, despite having sought many medical opinions. Following further development of symptoms over the years, a [...]
Magnesium to keep those bones healthy and strong
Final part of our series on ‘Essential Minerals’ Get your dose of magnesium By Dr. Nirmala M. Pieris Magnesium is a critical co-factor for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. It is all important when it comes to assimilation of calcium into bone as optimum magnesium intake is associated with greater bone density [...]
After a disaster: Picking up psychologically
By Prof. Raveen Hanwella A great disaster is a symbol to us to remember all the big things of life and forget the small things of which we have thought too much. -Jawaharlal Nehru In the background of the devastation caused by the recent floods and landslides I thought it useful to discuss the psychological [...]